Hundreds of runners make their way through Daffin Park during the in the first annual United Way Turkey Trot in the 5 kilometer race which wound its way through Ardsley Park before ending in Daffin Park. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

John Hazleton, 16, pumps his fist in the air as he crosses the finish line of the first United Way Turkey Trot 5K race Thursday morning with a first-place finish time of 16 minutes, 59 seconds. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

The Thanksgiving Day turkey, Ragan Lee, struts her stuff at the finish line of the 5 kilometer race in Daffin Park at the 1st Annual United Way Turkey Trot. Dale Critz pledged to donate $50 to the United Way for every competitor that beat the turkey across the finish line in Daffin Park. (John Carrington/Savannah Morning News)

Before they sat down to eat Thanksgiving turkey, 640 people got up and ran around Daffin Park on Thursday morning for the first United Way Turkey Trot.

"I'm going to eat guilt-free this afternoon," said Summer Orndorff, who participated in the 5-kilometer run.

The Thanksgiving Day fundraising event included a 5K run around the stately tree-lined streets of Ardsley Park, a 1.5-mile walk around Daffin Park and running events for children and toddlers.

John Hazelton, 16, finished first in the 5K run, coming in at 16:59 unofficially. He was followed by Josh Rayman, 40, and Joe Tilly, 45.But the tiniest runners drew the greatest applause. Proud parents and grandparents lined up along the Diaper Dash finish line to cheer them on.

Irvin Miller, a veteran of the Dutchess County Classic Marathon in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.,was accompanied by three generations of family members who all took part in the Turkey Trot event.

The fundraising event was made possible by the support of corporate sponsors like South Coast Medical Group.

At last count, the annual United Way campaign had raised a little more than $7.82 million of its $8.2 million goal, and the fundraising campaign deadline was extended to Dec. 1.

Proceeds from the Turkey Trot pushed the charitable organization about $40,000 closer to its goal.

"We had the nicest weather on earth," said Gregg Schroeder, president and CEO of the United Way of the Coastal Empire. "The shear number of participants shows overwhelming support of our sponsors and our community. People show up for a good cause."

Angela Spann showed up with her family to support the United Way and celebrate a new start for her mother.

"Mom lost a lot of weight, and she can actually get out and walk now," Spann said. "I thought this would be a great way to spend time together."

Her mother, Frances Lanier, is diabetic. She lost 80 pounds in the months leading up to the Turkey Trot through dietary changes and modified exercise.

"I'm trotting, not running," Lanier said. "But it is the first time I've been able to get out and do something with my daughter and my grandkids."

And what a start it was. Her grandson, Isaac Spann, 10, placed first in the Kids K race. Her granddaughters, Irie Spann, 14, Ilyn Span, 13, and their friend, LaVon Landy, 10, placed second, third and fourth respectively.

"I could hear them cheering, so I just took off running," Isaac said.

United Way of the Coastal Empire raises funds to support the health and human services needs of needy individuals and families throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.

Funds raised through the annual campaign support more than 100 programs and services to help children and youth achieve their potential, improve people's health and wellness and help families and individuals become financially independent.

Additionally, United Way supports families and neighborhoods with programs that provide food, clothing, shelter and other basic necessities of life.

SUPPORT THE UNITED WAYThe fundraising campaign for the United Way of the Coastal Empire has been extended until Dec. 1. Donations can be made by calling United Way of the Coastal Empire at 912-651-7701 or by mail at P.O. Box 2947, Savannah, GA 31402.